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ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Guben Fangxiao Beverage （固本防哮饮） for the prevention and treatment of chronic airway inflammation during asthma remission. MethodsThirty-six female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose of Guben Fangxiao Beverage group and montelukast sodium group， with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal group， ovalbumin and respiratory syncytial virus were used in other groups to establish a mouse model of bronchial asthma in remission stage. After molding， the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of Guben Fangxiao Beverage were respectively given 12， 24， and 36 g/（kg·d）， the montelukast sodium group was given montelukast sodium granule 2.6 mg/（kg·d）， and the mice in the normal group and model group were given 20 ml of double-distilled water， all by gavage， once a day for 28 days. The levels of interleukin 4 （IL-4） and interleukin 5 （IL-5） in the lung tissue of mice were detected； HE staining was used to observe the pathology of the lung tissue and to score the inflammation； DHE staining was used to observe the level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in the lung tissue， and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ， Ⅳ， and Ⅴ in the lung tissue were detected； the levels of serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）， catalase （CAT）， malondialdehyde （MDA） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） were detected； the protein expression levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （p-AMPK）， nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， haem oxygenase 1 （HO-1） and cAMP responsive element binding protein （CREB） in the lung tissues of the model group were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the histopathological results of the lungs of mice in the model group showed an increase in inflammatory cells around the airways and an increase in inflammatory score； DHE staining showed an increase in the level of ROS， and an increase in the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissues； the levels of serum SOD， CAT， and ATP were reduced， and the level of MDA was elevated； the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ， Ⅳ， and Ⅴ of the lung tissues were reduced， and the activities of p-AMPK， Nrf2， CREB protein expression decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the lung tissue inflammatory cells and inflammation scores of mice in each Guben Fangxiao Beverage dose group and montelukast sodium group were reduced； the levels of ROS， IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissue were reduced； the levels of CAT and ATP in the serum increased， and the content of MDA was reduced； and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ and Ⅱ， as well as the expression of CREB protein， were elevated in the lung tissue （P＜0.05）. Compared with the high-dose group， the MDA level of the medium-dose Guben Fangxiao Beverage group decreased （P＜0.05）. The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V in the medium-dose group was higher than that in the montelukast sodium group， and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅳ in the medium- and high-dose groups was higher than that in the low-dose group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionGuben Fangxiao Beverage can inhibit oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function to relieve chronic airway inflammation in bronchial asthma model mice during asthma remission， and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Acute pancreatitis （AP） is a common clinical acute abdominal disease， which is characterized by acute onset， rapid development， severe disease， many complications， and high mortality rate. It can progress to severe AP （SAP） if not treated promptly in the early stage. The pathogenesis of AP is complex and involves multiple cellular and molecular levels. It is now clear that oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species （ROS） production are involved in the physiopathological process of AP， which is associated with a low quantity and activity of antioxidant enzymes in pancreatic cells. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） serves as the ''golden key'' to maintain redox homeostasis in tissue cells and constitutes an important signaling pathway for antioxidant response and inflammation in vivo by collaborating with downstream antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique efficacy in treating diseases due to its multi-component， multi-target， multi-drug delivery， and multi-formulation characteristics. Based on the concept of synergy between traditional Chinese and Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine is becoming a new craze in the treatment of AP. The level of oxidative stress and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in AP pancreatic tissue are in a dynamic change process， and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine can clean ROS production， affect the inflammatory pathway， and reduce oxidative stress damage， so as to protect against pancreatic injury. This suggests that this pathway plays an important role in AP. This article reviews the recent literature on the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for AP and summarizes that the monomers of traditional Chinese medicine targeting this pathway are mainly heat-clearing and detoxifying， blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing， and Qi benefiting and middle warming， and the compounds of traditional Chinese medicine include Yinchenhao Decoction and QingYi Ⅱ， so as to provide a new direction for the prevention and treatment of AP and further drug development.
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BACKGROUND:Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the barriers of regeneration in chronic wound.Oxymatrine has various biological activities,such as anti-oxidation,anti-inflammation and so on,which may have the potential effect of promoting wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of oxymatrine on wound healing and the protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury in human keratinoid cell line HaCaT cells. METHODS:(1)In vivo experiment:Hyaluronic acid methacryloyl hydrogels containing 0,0.05,0.1,0.2 g/L oxymatrine were prepared.A full-layer skin defect model with a diameter of 12 mm was made in the back of 75 diabetic mice and randomly divided into five groups for intervention,with 15 mice in each group.The wounds of the model group were bandaged and fixed.The wounds of the hydrogel group were covered with hyaluronic acid methacryloyl hydrogel.The wounds of the low-dose,moderate-dose and high-dose oxymatrine groups were covered with hyaluronic acid methacryloyl hydrogel containing 0.05,0.1,and 0.2 g/L oxymatrine,respectively,and then bandaged and fixed after light curing.Relevant indicators were detected within 14 days.(2)In vitro experiment:Human keratinocyte line HaCaT was divided into five groups.The normal group was cultured conventionally.H2O2 group and low-,moderate-and high-concentration oxymatrine groups were treated with H2O2 for 4 hours,and then the medium was replaced with medium containing 0,0.05,0.1,and 0.2 g/L oxymatrine,respectively,and the relevant indexes were detected after 24 hours of culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vivo experiment:Compared with the model group,the wound healing rate of mice in the hydrogel group had no significant change.The wound healing rate of mice in the low-,moderate-and high-dose oxymatrine group was increased at 7 and 14 days after treatment(P<0.05).Pathological observation of wound section 14 days after treatment showed that compared with the model group,the thickness of regenerated epidermal layer,the number of microvessels,and collagen deposition in the moderate-and high-dose oxymatrine groups were increased(P<0.05).Western blot assay analysis of wound samples 7 days after surgery showed that compared with the model group,the protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in the moderate-and high-dose oxymatrine groups were decreased(P<0.05).(2)In vitro experiment:CCK8 assay,EdU and Ki67 staining showed that compared with the H2O2 group,the cell proliferation ability of the moderate-and high-concentration oxymatrine groups was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the H2O2 group,mitochondrial membrane potential was increased(P<0.05)and reactive oxygen species content was decreased(P<0.05)in the moderate-and high-concentration oxymatrine groups.Western blot assay results showed that compared with the H2O2 group,the expression levels of Nrf2 nuclear protein,Nrf2 total protein,HO-1 protein,and superoxide dismutase 1 protein were increased in the high-concentration oxymatrine group(P<0.05).(3)These findings confirm that oxymatrine can alleviate oxidative stress damage in HaCat cells and accelerate wound healing by upregulating the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein.
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AIM:To investigate the effects of saponin from Panax japonicus IVa(SPJ IVa)on acute lung inju-ry in rats and to explore its possible protective mechanism.METHODS:Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups,15 rats in each group:the control group,model group,low-dose SPJ IVa group,and high-dose SPJ IVa group.A rat model of ALI was established via intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,2 mg/kg).Rats in the low-and high-dose SPJ IVa groups were intraperitoneally injected with 15 and 45 mg/kg SPJ IVa,respectively,30 min after model-ing.Serum,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),and lungs were collected 24 h after modeling.Pathomorphological changes in lung tissues were assessed using HE staining.The wet weight/dry weight ratio of lung tissues was measured us-ing the weighing method,whereas ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and tumor ne-crosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the serum and BALF.The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione(GSH)were assessed using the kit method.Cell apoptosis in lung tissues was evaluated by immunohisto-chemical staining of cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL.Western blot was used to measure the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)p65,and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in lung tissues.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the lung tissues of the model group were significantly damaged,and the lung injury scores(0.21±0.22 vs 2.98±0.46)and lung wet/dry weight ratios(3.09±0.41 vs 6.36±0.61)were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the lung injury scores(1.80±0.31 and 1.05±0.25 vs 2.98±0.46)and lung wet/dry weight ratios(5.25±0.44 and 3.89±0.35 vs 6.36±0.61)in low-and high-dose SPJ IVa groups were significantly reduced(P<0.01).The administration of LPS resulted in elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cy-tokines(IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α)as well as the oxidative marker MDA in both serum and BALF(P<0.01).Additional-ly,it led to a decrease in antioxidant markers SOD and GSH(P<0.01).However,treatment with both low and high doses of SPJ IVa effectively attenuated the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative markers MDA(P<0.01),while also increasing SOD and GSH levels(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the model group,evident apoptosis was ob-served in lung tissues,whereas treatment with low and high doses of SPJ IVa significantly suppressed TUNEL-positive cells and the expression of cleaved caspase-3(P<0.01).The expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,NF-κB p65,and TLR4 in lung tissues were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group(P<0.01);in turn,after treatment with low and high doses of SPJ IVa,Nrf2 and HO-1 were further upregulated(P<0.01),whereas NF-κB p65 and TLR4 were downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The inhibitory effect of SPJ IVa on LPS-induced ALI in rats may be attribut-ed to its ability to suppress the TLR4/NF-κB-and Nrf2/HO-1-mediated inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
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AIM:To investigate the impact of total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)on the migration,invasion,and ferroptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells.METHODS:The A549 cells were divided into control group,low-,medium-and high-dose(100,150 and 200 μg/mL)PHSTF groups,ferroptosis inhibitor liprox-statin-1(Lip-1)group,and high-dose PHSTF combined with Lip-1 group,each cultured in corresponding media.Cell via-bility was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,while cell migration and invasion abilities were determined through scratch and Transwell assays.Cell lipid peroxidation levels were measured using the glutathione(GSH)assay kit.RT-qPCR was em-ployed to assess the mRNA expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while Western blot was utilized to examine the protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,Kelch-like epichlorohy-drin-associated protein-1(Keap-1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).RE-SULTS:Compared with control group,PHSTF significantly diminished the viability of A549 cells in a time-and dose-de-pendent manner(P＜0.01),and the cell migration and invasion were also reduced(P＜0.01),along with a significant de-crease in GSH level(P＜0.01).Treatment with PHSTF inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-re-lated proteins,including SLC7A11 and GPX4(P＜0.01),suppressed the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1(P＜0.01),and enhanced the expression of Keap-1(P＜0.01).The Lip-1 partially restored the decrease in cell viability in-duced by PHSTF(P＜0.01),significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,Nrf2 and HO-1,and suppressed the protein expression of Keap-1(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehen-sis Skan can inhibit the migration and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells,and induce the cell ferroptosis by regulating the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Zhenwutang on renal oxidative damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）/glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） signaling pathway. MethodTwenty-five 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/m mice and 95 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/db mice were adaptively fed for a week. A blank group was set with the db/m mice without treatment， and the other mice were administrated with Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction and hydrocortisone for the modeling of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The modeled mice were randomized into the model， irbesartan （25 mg·kg-1）， and high-， medium-， low-dose （33.8， 16.9， 8.45 g·kg-1） Zhenwutang groups （n=15） and administrated with corresponding drugs for 8 weeks. The survival status of mice was observed， and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score was recorded. The indicators related to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， and renal function indicators were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of the renal tissue in each group. Biochemical kits were used to determine the oxidative stress-related indicators in the renal tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of Nrf2， HO-1， glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit （GCLC）， and GPX4 in the renal tissue of mice in each group. ResultCompared with the blank group， the modeling increased the TCM syndrome score （P<0.05）， elevated the estradiol （E2） and FBG levels （P<0.05）， lowered the testosterone （T）， triiodothyronine （T3）， and tetraiodothyronine （T4） levels （P<0.05）， and weakened the renal function （P<0.05）. In addition， the modeling led to glomerular hypertrophy and glomerular mesangial and basal thickening， decreased the catalase （CAT） activity， total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）， and glutathione （GSH） content （P<0.05）， increased the malondialdehyde （MDA） content （P<0.05）， and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2， HO-1， GCLC， and GPX4 in the renal tissue （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， high and medium doses of Zhenwutang decreased the TCM syndrome score and E2 content （P<0.05）， increased the T， T3， and T4 content （P<0.05）， improved the renal function （P<0.05）， alleviated the pathological changes in the renal tissue， increased CAT， T-AOC， and GSH （P<0.05）， reduced MDA （P<0.05）， and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2， HO-1， GCLC， and GPX4 in the renal tissue （P<0.05）. ConclusionZhenwutang can improve the general state and renal function and reduce the oxidative damage and pathological changes in the renal tissue of db/db mice with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveBased on the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） signaling pathway， this paper explores the effect of Sinisan （SNS） on liver oxidative stress injury in cholestatic hepatitis rats and its mechanism. MethodThirty 6-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group， model group， low and high dose groups of SNS （2.5 and 5 g·kg-1） and ursodeoxycholic acid group （UDCA， 63 mg·kg-1）， with six rats in each group. Rats were administrated for seven consecutive days. On the 5th day， the control group was given olive oil of 10 mL·kg-1， and the other groups were given alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate （ANIT） of 80 mg·kg-1. The serum biochemical indicator levels of cholestasis and the content of antioxidant factors in rat liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2， HO-1， and quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group showed a significant increase in the serum biochemical indicator levels of cholestasis and the content of antioxidant factors in liver tissue （P<0.01）. There were obvious pathological changes in the model group such as the disordered arrangement of hepatocytes， obvious congestion and necrosis in the portal area， infiltration of inflammatory cells， and destruction of the interlobular bile duct. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2， HO-1， and NQO1 in liver tissue were significantly down-regulated in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the groups of SNS showed a significant decrease in the serum biochemical indicator levels of cholestasis and the content of antioxidant factors in liver tissue （P<0.01）， and the pathological liver injury was obviously improved. The necrotic area was reduced， and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was decreased. In addition， there was a small amount of extravasated blood in the interlobular vein. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2， HO-1， and NQO1 in liver tissue were significantly up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSNS can significantly improve liver injury in cholestatic hepatitis rats， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress response mediated by the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Objective To investigate the effects of indirubatin derivative E804 on proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)A549 cells,and to elucidate the possible mechanism of Nrf2-HO-1/GPX4 pathway.Methods Lung cancer A549 cells were used as the cell model.The proliferation and migration of differ-ent specific inhibitors(Nec-1,CQ,Z-VAD,DFO,Fer-1 and Lip-1)in 0,10 μmol/L E804 and 10 μmol/L E804+groups were observed by MTT and cell scratch assay.The contents of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were de-tected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe method,the contents of Fe2+were detected by colorimetric method,the contents of reduced glutathione(GSH)were detected by spectrophotometry,and the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected by micromethod.The expression levels of SLC7A11,Transferrin,GPX4,SLC40A1,Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected by Western blot in cells of 0,2.5,5 and 10 μmol/L E804 groups.Results Compared with the control group(0 μmol/L E804),2.5,5 and 10 μmol/L E804 significantly increased intracellular ROS,Fe2+and MDA levels,and decreased intracellular GSH content(P＜0.01).Meanwhile,the expression levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,SLC40A1,Nrf2 and HO-1 significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression level of Transferrin increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the 10 μmol/L E804 group alone,the apoptosis inhibitor(Z-VAD)group and the ferroptosis inhibitor(DFO,Fer-1 and Lip-1)group could significantly reverse the inhibition of proliferation and migration of A549 cells by 10 μmol/L E804(P＜0.01).Conclution E804 can induce ferrop-tosis and inhibit the proliferation and migration of A549 cells,which may be related to the inhibition of Nrf2-HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of licorice zinc on melasma.Methods Thirty-six BALB/c mice were equally divided into blank group,model group,licorzinc low-dose group,licorzine medium-dose group,licorzinc high-dose group and tranexamic acid group.Melasma was induced by 100 mJ/cm2 UVB irradiation combined with 15 mg/kg progesterone injection.Mice were treated with tranexamic acid(0.065 g/kg)and low(0.65 g/kg),medium(1.3 g/kg),or high(2.6 g/kg)doses of zinc licorice for 14 days.Skin was taken for HE and Masson-Fontana staining and measurement of SOD,MDA,GSP-Px,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,plasma protein Nrf-2,nuclear protein Nrf-2 and HO-1 expression levels.Results Compared with model group,high-dose licorice zinc group showed decreased melanocyte formation,collagen cell necrosis,and inflammatory infiltration(P＜0.01);decreased MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α and plasma protein Nrf-2 expression(P＜0.01);and increased GSP-Px,SOD and nuclear protein Nrf-2 and HO-1 expression(P＜0.01).Conclusions Zinc licorice activates the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway to initiate high expression of HO-1,SOD and GSP-Px and fight oxidative stress,thereby reducing melanogenesis.
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Objective To observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription on Keap1Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis(CNP);To explore its mechanism for the treatment of CNP.Methods CNP rat model was prepared using castration combined with estrogen induction method.Totally 48 SD rats were divided into blank group,model group,celecoxib group and Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group according to the random number table method,with 12 rats in each group.In the celecoxib group,celecoxib suspension was instilled 0.035 g/kg,and in the Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group,Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription water decoction was instilled 8.64 g/kg,and the blank group and the model group were instilled with equal volume of normal saline for 28 days.Mechanical pain threshold in rats was measured using Von Frey fiber optic pain gauge,HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in prostate tissue and pathological scoring,the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in prostate tissue were detected by chemical fluorescence method and the glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content in prostate tissue were detected by colorimetric method,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Kelch like ECH related protein 1(Keap1),nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)protein in prostate tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,rats in the model group had significantly lower mechanical pain threshold and significantly decreased prostate index(P<0.01);the size of the glandular cavity in prostate tissue varied,with the disappearance of secretions in the cavity,interstitial looseness and edema,a large amount of fibrous tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,and a significant increase in pathological scores(P<0.01);the contents of ROS and MDA in prostate tissue significantly increased,the activity of GSH-Px significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 proteins significantly decreased,and the expression of HO-1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the mechanical pain threshold of the rats in the Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group was significantly higher(P<0.01);there was mild damage to prostate tissue,with a small amount of fibrous hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,and a significant decrease in pathological scores(P<0.01,P<0.05);the contents of ROS and MDA in prostate tissue significantly decreased,and the GSH-Px activity significantly increased(P<0.01),the Keap1 and Nrf2 protein expressions significantly increased and HO-1 protein expression significantly decreased in prostate tissue(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription can effectively improve the histopathological morphology and increase the pain threshold of the prostate gland in CNP rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and reduction of oxidative stress damage in prostate tissue of rats.
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AIM To investigate the effects of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury based on the study of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the edaravone group(3.0 mg/kg),the low,medium and high dose groups(9.0,18.0,36.0 g/kg)of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula,with 18 rats in each group.The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion was conducted by thread embolism method to simulate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats followed by 6 days corresponding drugs administration.Subsequently,the rats had their neurological function deficit scored by Zeal Longa scoring method;their sizes of cerebral infarction areas measured by TTC staining;their pathological damage and apoptosis of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of ischemic penumbra of the brain tissue detected by HE staining and TUNEL staining;their SOD activity and levels of GSH,MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in brain tissue detected by kits;and their protein expressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,cleaved-capase-3,TLR4,NF-κB p65,Nrf2,HO-1 in rat brain tissue determined by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with edaravone,medium and high dose of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula displayed improvements in the scores of nerve function defects,the rate of cerebral infarction,the rate of neuronal apoptosis,the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α and MDA in the ischemic penumbra of brain tissues,the protein expressions of Bax and TLR4,the ratio of cleaved-capase-3/caspase-3 and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P＜0.05),the levels of GSH,the activity of SOD and the protein expressions of Bcl-2,Nrf2 and HO-1(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Being an inhibitor of oxidative stress and inflammatory response,Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula can alleviate brain injury in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and improvement of neural function mediated by the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.
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Objective To investigate the effect of dioscin on uric acid(UA)-induced oxidative stress injury of human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2)and its molecular mechanism.Methods HK-2 cells were cultured and divided into four groups:blank group(normal group),model group(uric acid-stimulation modeling),condition control group(UA+DMSO)and dioscin group(UA+dioscin).Oxidative stress injury model was induced by UA in HK-2 cells.Cells viability was detected by CCK-8.ROS level was detected by flow cytometry.Real-time PCR was used to detect the expressions of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)at mRNA level,and Western Blot was used to detect the expressions of phosphorylated glycogen synthesis kinase 3β(p-GSK3β),GSK3β,Nrf2 and HO-1 at protein level.Results After stimulation by UA,HK-2 cells viability was obviously decreased,and ROS level was significantly increased(all P＜0.001).When treated with dioscin,HK-2 cells viability was obviously increased,and the ROS level of HK-2 cells was significantly decreased(all P＜0.001).The expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 decreased at the protein and mRNA levels after stimulation with UA.But the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 significantly increased after treated with dioscin(all P＜0.001).Compared with the blank group,the p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio in the model group decreased significantly at the protein level,but the p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio increased after treated with dioscin(all P＜0.001).Conclusion Dioscin can alleviate UA-induced oxidative stress injury in HK-2 cells.The mechanism might be that dioscin can promote phosphorylation of GSK3β,and activate Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of dioscin on renal injury in septic rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS The septic rat model was induced by using cecal ligation and puncture. Sixty model rats were randomly divided into model group （0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution）， dioscin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （30， 60， 120 mg/kg） and dexamethasone group （positive control， 10 mg/kg）， with 12 rats per group； another 12 rats were selected as the sham operation group （0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution）. After 15 minutes of modeling， rats in each group were injected with medicine/0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after administration， the levels of creatinine （Cr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin （NGAL）， kidney injury molecule-1 （KIM- 1）， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissue， superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and the protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） were detected； renal histomorphology was observed. RESULTS Compared with model group， pathological injury of renal tissue was improved significantly in dioscin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups； the levels of Cr， BUN， NGAL， KIM-1， IL-6， IL-1β and TNF-α in serum， MDA level and protein expression of NLRP3 in renal tissue were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； SOD activity in renal tissue， protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased significantly （P＜0.05）， in a dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. The pathological damage of renal tissue in the dioscin high-dose group was similar to dexamethasone group， and there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of the above indicators （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Dioscin can activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome， and realize the inhibition of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress， so as to protect the kidney injury in sepsis.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of dioscin on renal injury in septic rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS The septic rat model was induced by using cecal ligation and puncture. Sixty model rats were randomly divided into model group （0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution）， dioscin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （30， 60， 120 mg/kg） and dexamethasone group （positive control， 10 mg/kg）， with 12 rats per group； another 12 rats were selected as the sham operation group （0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution）. After 15 minutes of modeling， rats in each group were injected with medicine/0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after administration， the levels of creatinine （Cr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin （NGAL）， kidney injury molecule-1 （KIM- 1）， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissue， superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and the protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） were detected； renal histomorphology was observed. RESULTS Compared with model group， pathological injury of renal tissue was improved significantly in dioscin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups； the levels of Cr， BUN， NGAL， KIM-1， IL-6， IL-1β and TNF-α in serum， MDA level and protein expression of NLRP3 in renal tissue were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； SOD activity in renal tissue， protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased significantly （P＜0.05）， in a dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. The pathological damage of renal tissue in the dioscin high-dose group was similar to dexamethasone group， and there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of the above indicators （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Dioscin can activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome， and realize the inhibition of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress， so as to protect the kidney injury in sepsis.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of linalool against acute liver injury induced by aflatoxin B1（AFB1） in rats and explore its protective mechanism. MethodTwenty male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into three groups： Control （n=6）， AFB1 （n=7）， and linalool （n=7） groups. Linalool solution （200 mg·kg-1） was administered preventatively for 14 days， while the control and AFB1 groups intragastrically received an equivalent volume of double distilled water. After preventative administration of linalool， AFB1 solution （1 mg·kg-1， dissolved in saline） was intraperitoneally injected for two consecutive days to induce acute liver injury in rats. Samples were collected and processed 14 days after model establishment. Pathological changes in liver tissue of rats were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and Masson staining. Biochemical detection was performed to measure the levels of alanine transaminase（ALT）， aspartate transaminase（AST）， γ-glutamyl transferase（GGT）， lactate dehydrogenase（LDH）， alkaline phosphatase（ALP）， total bilirubin（TBil）， direct bilirubin（DBil）， indirect bilirubin（IBil）， malondialdehyde（MDA）， superoxidedismutase（SOD）， catalase（CAT） ， glutathione（GSH）， Fe3+， and Fe2+ in the liver tissue. Western blot was adopted to assess protein expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2） and heme oxygenase-1（HO-1）. Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding between linalool and key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Molecular dynamics techniques were used to confirm the stability and affinity of linalool binding with key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. ResultPathological results showed that compared to that in the AFB1 group， the liver structure in the linalool group tended to be normal， with a significant decrease in blue collagen fibers. The linalool group exhibited significantly reduced levels of ALT， AST， GGT， LDH， ALP， TBil， DBil， and IBil （P<0.01）， Fe3+ and Fe2+ content， and oxidative stress marker MDA （P<0.01）. The levels of antioxidants SOD， CAT， and GSH significantly increased （P<0.01）. Molecular docking showed a molecular docking energy between linalool and Nrf2 and HO-1 targets of -5.495 6 and -5.199 4 kcal·mol-1（1 cal≈4.186 J）， respectively. Molecular dynamics results indicated strong affinity in the binding of linalool with Nrf2 and HO-1. Western blot revealed a significant increase in Nrf2 protein expression （P<0.05） and a decrease in HO-1 protein expression （P<0.01） in the linalool group. ConclusionLinalool may protect against AFB1-induced acute liver injury by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 ferroptosis signaling pathway to inhibit liver cell ferroptosis and regulate hepatic oxidative stress levels.
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OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of paeoniflorin on glucose metabolism， inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） and its potential mechanism based on nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/ heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate：quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） signaling pathway. METHODS The female rats fed with high fat and high sugar diet and the male rats fed with an ordinary diet were caged， the successfully conceived rats were collected， and streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally once to induce the GDM model. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group， metformin hydrochloride group （200 mg/kg metformin by gavage）， paeoniflorin low-， high-dose groups （45， 90 mg/kg paeoniflorin by gavage， respectively）， paeoniflorin+ML385 group （90 mg/kg paeoniflorin by gavage and intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg Nrf2 inhibitor ML385）， with 12 rats in each group； in addition， another 12 conceived rats fed with an ordinary diet were selected as the control group. The rats in each drug group were given the corresponding drug/normal saline， once a day， for 2 consecutive weeks. Glucose metabolism indexes [fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR）]， serum inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor- α （TNF- α）] and renal tissue oxidative stress indexes [superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）] were detected； the pathological changes of renal tissue were observed， and the protein expressions of Nrf2， HO-1 and NQO1 in renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the renal tissue lesions of the model group were obvious， including glomerular atrophy， edema degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration； the levels of FBG and FINS， HOMA-IR， the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum， and the level of MDA in renal tissue were significantly increased （P＜0.05）， while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expressions of Nrf2， HO-1 and NQO1 in renal tissue were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the renal tissue lesions of rats in paeoniflorin low-dose and high-dose groups were reduced， the above quantitative indexes were significantly improved， and the improvement effect was better in high-dose group （P＜0.05）， while ML385 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of paeoniflorin on the above indexes （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Paeoniflorin can improve the abnormal glucose metabolism， inflammation and oxidative stress damage of renal tissue in GDM rats， which may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NOQ1 signaling pathway.
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AIM: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Danlou tablet on retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury(RIRI)in mice.METHODS: A total of 40 ApoE-/- mice were fed with high fat diet for 6 wk, and the RIRI model was established by anterior chamber infusion of pressurized saline. The mice were divided into control group(normal saline for 8 wk), RIRI model group(normal saline for 8 wk), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Danlou tablets groups [1, 2, and 4 g/(kg·d), respectively, for 8 wk]. The morphological changes of retina were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining, retinal cell apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated Nick-End Labeling(TUNEL)staining. The Western-blot assay was used to detect the expression of retinal tissue sample Kelch-like ech-associated protein 1(Keap1), nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), and superoxide dismutase(Sod2)proteins.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mouse retina was atrophic with thinning thickness and increasing cell apoptosis, down-regulation of Sod2 protein expression, and up-regulation of Keap1 protein expression in the RIRI model group(all P<0.01). Compared with the RIRI model group, the retinal thickness increased in the medium- and high-dose of Danlou tablets groups(all P<0.01), and the cell apoptosis of retina decreased in the low-, medium- and high-dose of Danlou tablets groups(all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the expression of Keap1 and HO-1 proteins of mouse retina tissue in the low-dose of Danlou tablets group(P>0.05). The expression of Sod2, Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins up regulated, and the expression of Keap1 protein down regulated in the medium- and high-dose of Danlou tablets groups(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Danlou tablet can alleviate RIRI-induced atrophy and thinning of retina and retinal cell apoptosis by regulating Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and reducing oxidative stress.
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Objective @#To investigate whether norepinephrine (NE) regulates the oxidative stress in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) by activating nuclear factor E2⁃related factor 2(Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase ⁃1(HO⁃1) signal pathway.@*Methods @#C ultured hEECs were used. The expression of α and β adrenergic receptors was detected by reverse transcription⁃polymerase chain reaction (RT⁃PCR) . Cell counting kit ⁃8(CCK⁃8) assay was applied to test the effect of NE on cell viability , then the cells were divided into C ontrol group and NE treatment group , and the appropriate concentrations were chosen. The expression of tight j unction proteins Occludin and zona occludens-1 (ZO⁃1) , apoptosis⁃related proteins apoptosis⁃related protein B ⁃cell lymphoma⁃2 protein(Bcl ⁃2) and Bcl ⁃2 associated X protein(Bax) , antioxidant proteins Nrf2 and HO⁃1 were examined by Western blot. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the cell culture medium were detected by enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assays kit ( ELISA) .@*Results @#The mRNA expression of α1 a ,α1 b , α2 a , α2 b , α2 c , β1 , β3 was detected in the hEECs. After the NE treatment , no significant change in cell viability was ob served in low concentration (5 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L) groups , while 15 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L NE treatments for 6 h or 24 h promoted the cell viability significantly. The expression of ZO⁃1 and Occludin increased significantly in 15 μmol/L group after 24 h treatment , the expression of ZO⁃1 decreased in 6 h treatment group , significant down regulation was ob served after 15 μmol/L NE application , the expression of Occludin increased in 6 h group. The cell apoptosis increased compared with the control group after NE stimulation , espeserved after 24 h treatment. The ration of Bcl ⁃2/Bax > 1 . The expression of Nrf2 and HO⁃1 was elevated by NE. There was no obvious change in MDA level while significant elevation in SOD was detected in cell culture medium.@*Conclusion@#Nrf2/H0-1 signal is activated after application of NE to the hEECs, which may responsible for the upregulation of SOD, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effect in the hEECs.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shenqi Tangluo pill （SQTLP） on oxidative stress injury of skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） mice based on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）/NAD（P）H quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） pathway. MethodA total of 60 7-week-old male db/db mice ［specific pathogen-free （SPF） grade］ were selected and fed for one week for adaption. They were divided into the model control group， SQTLP low-， medium- and high-dose （19， 38， and 76 g·kg-1） groups and metformin group （0.26 g·kg-1） by gavage. Each group consisted of 12 mice. Twelve male db/m mice of the same age were selected as the blank group. The intervention was implemented continuously for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） was detected. Fasting serum insulin （FINS） levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） index and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin sensitivity index （HOMA-ISI） were calculated. Oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and insulin tolerance test （ITT） were conducted. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and the contents of malondialdehyde （MDA） and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） in skeletal muscle tissues were detected by biochemical kits. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in skeletal muscle tissues. The levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and 4-hydroxynonenal （4-HNE） in skeletal muscle tissue were detected by immunofluorescence （IF）. The expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit （GCLC） proteins in skeletal muscle tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with those in the blank group， FBG， FINS and HOMA-IR in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while HOMA-ISI was decreased （P<0.05）. The results of OGTT and ITT showed that blood glucose was significantly increased at all time points （P<0.05）， and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were significantly impaired. SOD and GSH-Px activities in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and MDA and NADPH contents were significantly increased （P<0.05）. In skeletal muscle tissues， the arrangement of muscle fibers was loose， the nucleus was disordered， and inflammatory cells were infiltrated. The expression levels of ROS and 4-HNE in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased （P<0.05）. The protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1 and GCLC in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the model group， FBG， FINS and HOMA-IR in the metformin group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while HOMA-ISI was increased （P<0.05）. The results of OGTT and ITT showed that blood glucose in the metformin group was significantly decreased at all time points （P<0.05）. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. No obvious abnormality was found in the skeletal muscle tissue of the metformin group. The expressions of ROS and 4-HNE in skeletal muscle tissues were decreased （P<0.05）. The protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1 and GCLC in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the model group， FBG， FINS and HOMA-IR in the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while HOMA-ISI was increased （P<0.05）. The results of OGTT and ITT showed that the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance of mice were improved in each dose group of SQTLP. The GSH-Px activity in the SQTLP low-dose group was significantly increased （P<0.05）， and the NADPH content was decreased （P<0.05）. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. The skeletal muscle tissue injury of mice in each dose group of SQTLP was ameliorated to different degrees. In the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups， the expressions of ROS and 4-HNE were decreased （P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1 and GCLC were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the SQTLP low-dose group， FBG and HOMA-IR in the SQTLP high-dose group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while HOMA-ISI was increased （P<0.05）. The results of OGTT and ITT showed that the SQTLP high-dose group significantly improved the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance of mice. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased （P<0.05）， while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. No obvious abnormality was found in the skeletal muscle tissue， the expressions of ROS and 4-HNE were decreased （P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1 and GCLC were significantly increased （P<0.05） in the skeletal muscle tissue of the SQTLP high-dose group. ConclusionSQTLP can significantly improve IR in T2DM mice， and the mechanism is related to SQTLP activating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway， promoting the expression of antioxidant enzymes， and thus improving the oxidative stress injury in the skeletal muscle.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and potential mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis （HF） in rats based on the transforming growth factor-β（1 TGF-β1）/Smad2/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1（ERK1） and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1（Keap1）/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1（HO-1） pathways. METHODS Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， breviscapine low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5.4， 10.8， 21.6 mg/kg）， and colchicine group （positive control， 0.45 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group， half male and half female. Except for the normal control group， HF model of the other groups was induced by carbon tetrachloride. Subsequently， each drug group was given corresponding medicine by gavage once a day for 28 days. The liver appearance of rats in each group was observed and their liver coefficients were calculated. The levels of alanineaminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST）in serum， those of ALT， AST， superoxide dismutase （SOD），malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH- Px） in liver tissue were detected. The liver tissue inflammatory and fibrotic changes were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1， Nrf2， Keap1 and HO-in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， the model group showed large areas of white nodular lesions in the liver， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The body weight， the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly lowered in the model group （P＜0.05）； the liver coefficient， the percentage of Masson staining positive area， ALT and AST levels of serum and liver tissue， MDA level of liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1 and Keap1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the liver lesions of rats in each drug group were improved， and the above quantitative indexes were generally reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Breviscapine has a good intervention effect on HF rats， which may be related to inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/ERK1 pathway for anti-fibrosis and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.